9-19-08 Ummmm, I have to do what!

I must have been in denial thinking about Denali. It never dawned on me that I would have to FLY to get on the Alaska cruise. I DO NOT fly. Mr. and Mrs. S were very surprised by this. They always thought I had flown here from Gnomistan. On the contrary, I took a boat with 35 of my fellow countrymen (and eight trolls from Trollbekistan, they were annoying). I remember our journey like it was yesterday....sailing across the sea for 12 days until we arrived at Ellis Island. Unfortunately, we then discovered that Ellis Island was now a tourist destination and not a immigration terminal and hadn't been for many years. Damn these outdated maps. The captain found that the port of Bayonne, New Jersey close by and we proceeded to dock there. The captain, upon seeing the Bayonne landscape, attempted to try to turn the ship back to Gnomistan! He said, and I quote “Arrrgh, if this is what the new world looks like, I'm going back to the old world.” Thankfully we convinced him that the rest of America really did look like the brochure and he allowed us to disembark.

Mr. and Mrs. S were confident that I would be able to handle the airplane ride, so we all headed off for the airport. While they were checking their bags (why do two people need 7 bags! I only need my backpack!), I headed off to the airport bar to try to loosen up before the flight. They must make those airport drinks strong because the next thing, I knew I was at thirty thousand feet over Canada. The view was breathtaking! I can't wait to fly again! Note to Mrs. S's mom: If I can do it, so can you! Together we can make it to the Oasis.

P.S. Mrs. S asked me to point out that she was not only carry most of my gear, but she was also lugging me in her carryon. Perhaps, I was a bit harsh in my statement about too many bags. It is a 2-week cruise, after all.

9-18-08 It's time for another adventure

All of my hard work in the kitchen has paid off. Mr. and Mrs. S said I have exceeded their renovation goals so I can come with them on their trip to Alaska! I was very worried for a while. After my little “I'm a pretty Gnome” incident, I didn't think they wanted me to come with them. Not only are they excited to have me with them but they also had a surprise for me...a new backpack! Very stylish. And, it is the perfect size for my business cards.

9-13-08 Gomer, reporting in

This weekend was Landon's first birthday and Mr. and Mrs. S were driving up to his house for the celebration. Why was I not asked to join them you might ask? Well, I got into a bit of hot water with the S's over my unapproved kitchen design changes. I'm sorry, but in this day and age I think there SHOULD be a gnome-sized cappuccino machine at floor level. Mr. S wasn't too happy about tripping over it in the morning and made me stay home this weekend to undo my changes. I asked Gomer, my gnome cousin to report in as a guest writer. Enjoy.

“Hello, Nittany! Thank you ever so much for allowing me to write this report. I only hope I can live up to the quality reporting that your loyal fan base expects. You would surprised at how much Landon has grown! I know it has only been a month since you have seen him but, my, how he has changed. He's now walking very well and can speak several new words! Granted many of them sound the same the same but to the keen ears of the gnome, they all are very distinct. I, myself, was asked to help stand watch over Landon's gift table. I was joined by another gnome who looks very similar to your friend Steely-eye. He didn't say much, and I never got his name, but he was an amazing guard gnome. He never moved a muscle and he kept his eyes on the gifts at all time. He reminded me of the guards outside Gnomingham palace in Gnomistan. Anyway, here are a few photos of the celebration.”